The 50 best sights in Des Moines

I wish it was a bit more interactive. Only one sculpture didn’t say “no touching” some of them were cool and creepy all at once. A nice place to stop if you have some time to waste on a beautiful day.

8.18.25 I came across this place while visiting Des Moines for work. It says that this park is named after John and Mary Pappajohn, who are renowned art collectors. They donated the initial collection of sculptures—28 pieces valued at an estimated $40 million—to the city of Des Moines. Free to walk around and explore.

Nice area, we saw a family having a picnic there yesterday. It would be awesome if there was a drinking fountain and a small restroom available. I would like to see more art eventually as well or if they could bring in some seasonal sculptures on occasion that would be cool too.

Five year old loved it. He really liked finding the actual pieces of art in person of the map of the park they have available at random spots through out. All in all we had fun.

Is an absolute beautiful day lots of people just walking around taking pictures to some really nice quiet place

Nice park for walking through and looking at a few sculptures. It was a hot day. Some shade was helpful. Saw a few people using their lunch time to stroll around the park. Enjoyable park to slow the pace of the day.

Nice walk in the garden and there area some neat statues! Nice free attraction, but just make sure to pay for parking on the side.

Wonderful mini-retreat in this lovely garden. Spring is slowly waiting and leaves gently unfold and blooms blossom in their own time. The rose garden is so demure in April; although, a well staged reprieve from the winter’s stagnancy. Andy Goldsworthy’s the Three Cairns keenly sits at the hill’s top. The landscape is both a photographer’s and a bird watcher’s dream.

Highly recommend visiting this art museum! It is so quiet, clean, and spacious. There are many different exhibits with unique art pieces. We spent a few hours here, but you can easily spend longer depending on how much time you take. There are different sections with floors or elevators to access. The staff are friendly and helpful. I also love and recommend checking out the gift shop inside, which includes so many fun, unique, and interesting items for anyone’s taste and style. I bought this fair trade chocolate bar and a greeting card. Overall, a great experience and I would return. Admission is free.

what a lovely art center with quality contemporary, modern, impressionistic, & abstract artwork. the admission is free, but don’t forget to checkout the shop… amazing gifts of all kinds! and the staff… so friendly, energetic, & bring the experience to the next level!

Loved this experience!! There are activity sheets for the youth and those of us that are less focused. I deeply appreciate the education throughout the museum. There is also a bakery/ coffee shop

The Des Moines Art Center is truly a gem. Every corner of the museum feels like an aesthetic experience, from the stunning architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier, to the outdoor sculptures, rose garden, and reflecting pool that surrounds the building. Admission is free, which makes it even more remarkable. We especially enjoyed the current exhibition by Firelei Báez, an incredible Dominican Republic–born artist whose work is vibrant, thought-provoking, and beautifully displayed in the main gallery. The restaurant is a highlight with delicious food, warm service, and a gorgeous view that makes it a perfect stop during a visit. The art shop is equally impressive, offering thoughtful, high-quality gifts and creative finds you won’t see in typical museum shops. The staff throughout the center are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the workshops, lectures, and film programs make this a lively hub for art and culture in the community. We highly recommend the Des Moines Art Center. whether you’re coming for the rotating exhibitions, the architecture, the restaurant, or simply the peaceful grounds, it’s an unforgettable experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Truly Satisfying Art Experience! *Free admission ​Even with the main gallery closed, my visit to the Des Moines Art Center was an absolute delight and still earned a 5-star rating from me! They have an incredible collection featuring works from lots of artists. ​I was completely mesmerized by one of the paintings in particular—seeing a piece from the 1800s up close was a truly satisfying and unforgettable experience. The quality and variety of art on display were fantastic. ​Don't let a partial closure deter you; there is still so much to see and appreciate here. I can't wait to go back once the main gallery reopens!

The building is beyond beautiful, lighting is amazing, they accept donations but no money is required to view the art. I love this place.

Great for families, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a calm getaway within the city. We recently visited the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and it was a peaceful, beautiful experience! 🌺🌳 The indoor conservatory is filled with tropical plants and flowers, creating a warm, vibrant escape. Outdoor gardens are well-maintained and perfect for a relaxing stroll. Especially the water features. It’s also a great place for photography, with plenty of colorful spots and natural light. The staff were friendly and helpful. However, that garden requires ticket to enter and it would be great if the entry fee could be little less ( around $5) or free for everyone. There is nothing that much to really explore within $15 ertry fee.

This place was beautiful and I am so glad we went! For $12 admission (lower for seniors and kids) I think it was well worth it. Just to see a monstera (a few, actually) with fruit in person was amazing! So many beautiful plants and the koi fish are amazing as well. And the gift shop had some wonderful things, though very expensive.

So much fun! Lots of cool gardens both inside and outside. It took us maybe 30-40 mins to look through everything so was definitely worth the price. There was a very helpful guide Steve (or Steven?) there who answered all of our questions and pointed out some cool features!

We visited the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised to find it not too crowded. Though the garden is small, it’s beautifully maintained and offers lovely green spaces perfect for quality family time or quiet relaxation. The on-site cafeteria is a nice bonus, with nutritious and tasty food options that make it easy to spend a few hours enjoying both nature and a good meal. A charming spot to recharge and connect with nature in the city.

Second visit for my wife & me to this very well laid out and maintained Botanical Garden, this time during their annual BOOtanical Garden Trick or Trees Halloween-themed event inside the glass dome Conservatory. Many of the staff members were dressed in Halloween costumes, interacting with the young costumed visitors who were fascinated by the unique decorations & being exposed to simple concepts of nature in a family-friendly atmosphere. The Greater DSM Botanical Garden is a beautiful downtown facility along the Des Moines River, suitable for all ages and enjoyable in all seasons.

I’ve managed botanic gardens for decades and I will tell you with authority this is a very well-run garden. The dome is loaded with uncommon and well-tended tropicals, subtropicals and container plants with plenty of seating. The water garden, perennial gardens and annual borders are stunning and offer a beautiful selection of colorful and textural plantings. Whoever assembles the mixed containers outside is an artist. While this garden may be on the smaller side, it’s 100% worth the price of admission and does the capital city proud. I’ve seen so many public gardens I can sometimes get bored by the same old- but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and found so much to love. Great job!

My first experience with the Botanical Gardens was 45 years ago. It has been improved upon so much. Beautiful outdoor water gardens. The children's play area was delightful. My grandkids loved it. My favorite thing outdoors was sitting on a bench under the waterfall. There are many sitting areas you could enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Lovely experience. I highly recommend.

We were really looking forward to visiting the science centre and had kept it for a cold winters day. The experience was super disappointing. I was expecting more things for adults I guess, and a little more excitement. I enjoy a planetarium and when they said there was a show we made sure to go. Our planetarium back home in South Africa is a far better experience. There is no talking, the seats are comfortable and go back, and you are able to take it all in. Here there was chatter, you sat on plastic chairs, and in order to experience it all, you have to sit with your head back for half an hour - a rather painful experience. Been there, done that.

While the Science Center is a fun place to explore and learn...I feel like the experience has been downgraded in recent years. I remember there being a lot more to do when you where there...from seeing the pendulum that kept time by the IMax theater, to seeing Channel 13 weather broadcasted if you were lucky to be there during a time they were there. And I also remember there being a lot more hands on activities too... Now the pendulum is apparently shut down(?) as is the cafe that was there..And everything seemed largely scaled back. I remember when the Science Center has something there for everyone of all ages, now it seems to be just a glorified children's museum and very dumbed down. I don't know if and when I will be back. I was disappointed that so much was either closed or just blocked off. Definitely not worth the price in my opinion. But I do enjoy the nature area. It always is my favorite area to visit here. I'm glad to see it has gotten such a glow up in recently years. And the space show was cool too.

This is such a fun place for all ages. We loved the time we spent and there was fun things for toddlers, teens, and adults.

Our family of 4 (kids 5 &3) spent ~5 hours here, but we could have easily spent more! It was our first time here and I was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the staff as well as the cleanliness and condition of of the facilities. We couldn’t pick a favorite room, we loved the variety in the rooms and were impressed with multiple. We will definitely plan another trip in the future and look forward to seeing their new exhibit that was being renovated while we were there!

If you haven't done the sensory hours at the science center, you are missing out. My daughters and myself are very sensitive to sound so once a month they offer a sensory friendly night. It literally felt like we had the place to ourselves. Of course we didn't but only 10 or so families were there tonight spread all out the science center. We always love the activity room on the second floor with the rockets and water table, and the little play room on the first floor off to the left. My girls are 4. They had a great lego display on the first floor off to the back left and the kids loved picking corn, apples and gathering chicken eggs in the play room.

What a great family experience! There are activities for all ages. All of the exhibits are interactive. It has activities that helped my child want to try all them all. Love the rocket building and launching, the big ball wall, and of course the Lego room. Had fun building something in the make it area. Overall, great experience for everyone in my family. Many fun times at the Science Center!!

Fun for the whole family. We could have spent a couple days here without the kids getting bored. After 6 hours they were asking when we could come back. As a parent I was disappointed that several of the exhibits were closed when we visited (June 2024), but it didn’t bother the kids. My kids were bummed that some of the (I’m guessing older exhibits) were missing parts and dysfunctional/inoperable. But overall, definitely worth spending a day there with the kiddos. Also, you can save $2 per person if you buy tickets in advance online.

The Iowa State Capitol was stunning from the start, its gold dome gleaming proudly above Des Moines. Inside, friendly security officers greeted us with smiles and a touch of humor, setting the tone for a great visit. The intricate tile mosaics were breathtaking, and the library was a true gem, filled with charm and small spiral staircases leading to its upper levels, making it one of the most beautiful spaces in any Capitol we’ve visited.

We went on a tour with Karen, who was a great tour guide. It is worth finding out if you can go on a guided tour instead if a self tour. She pointed out things we would never have seen and we got to go to the dome. Great tour, lovely building.

We got a guided tour and it was incredible! Julie was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. The history, the architecture, the art, it is all rich and intriguing. I can not thank Julie enough for how amazing she was at informing us of the beauty of the Capitol. Iowa, for all the times people call you an ugly state, your capitol is one of the most beautiful I have had the pleasure of being in!

This is a must see if your visit Des Moines! It is free to visit with free parking. Beautiful building and amazing architecture. Amazing this was built in the 1800s. Visitors tour guide book is only $1 and no tax.

This is the most beautiful state capitol I have ever seen. We had a wonderful tour and enjoyed it immensely. Its beauty reminds me of many buildings I have seen in Europe!

Great place!! Very beautiful inside and great architecture. It's free to visit. And they even offer a tour (free maybe) to go further up in the building. We didn't get to do this, but I would definitely recommend getting this booked ahead of time if you want to.

Went on a Sunday 😣but enjoyed the outside sculpture. The view from the capital is amazing , there is a section on the front entry on the ground they have the map with all the counties , Al the outdoor benches are named after every governor. That is a nice gesture.

Had a super fun time. Loved the Dino theme park, got to see the seal show, enjoyed good food and did some other fun activities, kiddos had their face painted , fed the fish and goat, took a ride on the train. Just a great place to spend time with the family.

9/28/25 2nd time taking our kiddos to this zoo. The last time we went was July 2024 and had a great time! Definitely was surprised how big it got since I was in elementary school. Today was a great day coming, we got there around 10:30am and there was no line. We bought our tickets online and got to use our kids free admission tickets from the summer reading program 😍 Wasn’t super busy at all! Which made it so easy to look at each exhibit without feeling rushed by the crowd. Some attractions were closed due to the end of certain seasons. So always check online to see which ones. Was a bit disappointed that they didn’t have the sea lion training demonstration as the website states its a daily activity except for Tuesdays. My kids and I waited for 30ish minutes in the area to see the 3:15pm slot and when I finally asked, the staff member told me it was only for the summer. No worries, but please state that on your website please 🥲 Otherwise the kids of course had a great day at the zoo and loved seeing all the Dino’s as well!!! ❤️

Blank Park Zoo is a fun and family-friendly place to visit. It’s clean, well-organized, and the animals look well cared for. The staff are friendly and informative, and there are plenty of shaded areas and rest spots. A great place for a weekend trip — kids and adults will both enjoy it. However the zoo itself not too large and compare to its entry fee $20 it may not a good fit for many people.

My family and I loved going to their Bright Lights lantern light display! It was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. There are so many beautiful and well-crafted lighted lanterns to look at, all a variety of plants and animals. They even had some extra areas for kids, such as these lit-up swings and a music and dancing area. Definitely an experience I recommend! Well worth it and we will be back.

Nice little zoo with plenty to offer. The exhibits are interesting and the zoo has a lot of places to explore. The day I went with my group it was very hot, luckily the zoo has a bunch of tree cover. The staff were nice and answered my questions whenever we asked about the animals. The gift shop was great. Tempted myself with several shirts and got my son a couple of gifts.

Great family fun! The zoo felt safe, clean, and incredibly informative and fun for the whole family. We have an 8 and 10 year old and it took us about 2.5-3 hours to go through the whole zoo. Not a bad start to our day! Lines moved fast at the front and all staff was friendly.

The Blank Park Zoo is a great family-friendly zoo! It's great to have a zoo in central Iowa that has a variety of animals, events and educational opportunities. In 2025 you can see "Dino-Park Zoo" with several animatronic dinosaur displays throughout the zoo! Membership is fairly priced with many benefits. The zoo has plans to continue expanding which will be great!

Great Lake to walk around. Parts are shaded, but it’s definitely sunny. A few tables scattered around the lake help provide areas to enjoy a picnic. There is a small beach my area where people can go swimming and there are some small facilities to change or use the restroom. Overall, excellent place to enjoy a morning or afternoon.

Nice wide walking trail around lake. Part of it is a bridge over the over for 300-400 yards. Often fairly busy b/c it is so nice. Great place to think, walk the dog, or bring children I suppose for those that have that joyful displeasure. Front parking lot often fills up, so just plan on rear parking to make it easier on yourself.

Very nice place to take the family. Quite casual. Great walking, running, and bicycle area. They have a rental area to rent canoes and paddle boats.

It's a nice lake with a nice trail that goes all the way around and it has access to the water if you want to get up close.

Such a nice little Lake kind of very close to town but they were doing construction right next to the concession stand which is a little annoying but I do appreciate any Recreation and all hiking and these photos that I got to take

A lot of people with dogs and infants walking around this very nice lake on a Wednesday morning in the heart of Des Moines. Great way to spend a morning.

I have always liked Grayslake it's a great place to go to walk run meet up with friends they keep making improvements to it like putting in new Walking pads and new Bridges and keeping up the Landscaping I will continue to visit

Top 2 things to do on a summer Saturday in Des Moines ! Lots of diversity in food, local products and music. Make sure you get a good breakfast sandwich. I took it to go for lunch and go early before it gets too crowded. Visiting from MA sorry I’m missing the state fair.

What a wonderful experience today. Tons of vendors from flowers to bakery goods to German Brat’s to soap’s. Also multiple live music musicians on multiple street corners. So much stuff.

I love the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market. I go every Saturday that I am able to, whether I plan on buying something or not. I have enjoyed getting a freshly made Sourdough every week, have found some delicious honey that reminds me of the Fynbos honey I get back home, as well as some lovely baked goods, fresh vegetables and there are always beautiful flowers to see to. Very sad this is ending soon, I believe it runs till the end of October and then closes for Winter.

It was my very first time being at the Des Moines Farmer's Market! Such a great experience! Lots of people! Lots of goodies to stock up on! I got the biggest cookie of my life! It's every Saturday from the first weekend of May to the last weekend of October! I'll definitely be back!

The Farmer's Market is always fun. The best advice is to go early. For 2 reasons. #1 it's less busy early. #2 you can park on the street for free until 9 am

Spectacular farmers market with a wide variety of produce, baked goods, cheeses, some meat vendors, wares, flowers and more. Loved the food trucks and ready to eat vendors such as the egg roll carts, pretzels, and all the samples !! Super easy parking, we chose a private garage but loads of free space available. Many accessible points of entry as there's a main drag with off shoots from closed streets. My hands were full for the hour we were there, only snatching this one shot at a flower vendor. May - October take a Saturday get up early and experience the market. Honestly reminded me of shakedown at a dead show. haha good times !! Great job Des Moines!

I absolutely LOVE the Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market. The atmosphere is absolutely charged with hype and fun! There is something for everyone from purchasing goods and wheres to food for your fridge and pantry and food for immediate consumption! There are people galore; dogs and even some cats, too! Shop the tents/food trucks some Saturday morning during the season, purchase some goods, eat some food and enjoy your time outdoors people watching or listening to one of the performers!

Really great event location. Not a bad seat in the house. This building is used for a variety of events from Graduations to full concerts. Very well run and organized. Lots of very helpful staff. Loading docks out back are easy to get in and out of. Plenty of parking located within walking distance. Entrance is usually limited to the south side for shows. Bathrooms are clean and tidy. Seats are dated but very comfortable. Plenty of room for your knees when seated unless someone needs to get past. Very nice Venue regardless.

My hubby and I enjoyed our first visit to the Des Moines Civic Center last night to see a wonderful 50 year celebration of Air Supply. It was pouring and dark outside but inside was bright and cozy. It seemed everyone had a great seat. What I enjoyed most about the Civic Center was the staffing they had. There were many on duty and each one seemed friendly and welcoming, rolling out the red carpet of customer service. One person in particular named Susie was so kind to bring us water after we were discussing how dehydrated my husband and I were. She brought it right to our seats, which was so thoughtful. From the ticket window, to the refreshment stand and all the ushers and staff in between, it was clear that each employee was handpicked for their wonderful customer service. We felt so welcomed and truly enjoyed a night of love songs. Everyone was smiling or singing or both. It was a true house of love <3. Thank you, your efforts were very much appreciated.

Small, but very nice place to go and see plays and shows. Location is a bit awful for parking. Basically, there is no adjacent parking or underground parking. But once you are there it is fairly easy to move around.

What a treat. Kudos to team that organized the Hamilton show💯 The show was sold out and the venue was all packed but it was pretty easy to get to our seats. The acoustics of the theater are pretty good too. Looking forward to coming back for the amazing line up if shows they have coming up. Be sure to book well in advance though!!!

This is a wonderful space to experience the arts! I've seen two shows here since January and regardless of the craft everything has been enjoyable. Yes, due to the acts themselves but I believe in the way the auditorium was built as well. The building is handicap-accessible. There are multiple entry points. And the concession stand has alcohol that you can bring in to the performances so long as you purchase the $3 souvenir cup. This place is so well-organized with ushers everywhere that it's impossible to get lost.

I absolutely love the Civic Center! I've been to multiple shows here and always have a great experience. The seating is excellent and the sound quality is consistently good. While the restrooms can have lines, they move quickly thanks to plenty of stalls. If you attend multiple shows, I highly recommend buying the souvenir cup—it’s the only cup allowed in the theater, and you can bring it back for future shows. Overall, a fantastic venue!

If I could could zero stars I would. Went to see the Hamilton show and were told to leave before our tickets were even scanned all because I had my infant with me. We walk in the door and immediately employees are pointing at me and gesturing to each other about my infant being there. We approach the employees that were scanning tickets and we get stopped and told "She (my infant) can't be here but she is cute)." One employee then proceeds to check with the manager and the manager comes to tell me the same thing and then goes on to "(the RECOMMENDED age is 5 and over. Your child must be 5 or over and have a ticket to attend the show)" She then says the same thing the first employee says "so she can't be here but she's such a cutie". I wonder if they even know or care enough to know that plenty of other parents there brought children younger than 5 and lied about their age just to buy a ticket to avoid getting a sitter or even didn't have a sitter. Mind you, my sitter lives an hour away. I also have a friend who works stage crew who has told me that there have been countless times where she has seen mothers and their INFANTS at these shows and many other shows. Will never be going back.

I LOVED this place! This was a spur of the moment, ordered tickets online. Very easy to do. $10 plus tax, total was $22 plus change. Used gps directions. Beautiful inside and out. Well manicured and tended garden and lawn in early September. Indoor had AC throughout. Main floor and 2nd floor was open to walk in and look around after showing my ticket pass. If we had any questions a VERY knowledgeable person at the entrance was available or I could scan a QR code at the entrance that would answer questions. I chose to run back to the person when I had questions. The next time I will choose a guided tour. There is so much to see. Who knew such a gem was right here in Des Moines? I will be back, more than once! I highly recommend everyone see this.

Incredible 1923 Gothic/Tudor styled mansion with features imported from England, including the White Cliffs of Dover, 1600s German statuary, English wood beams, stone fireplace, and stones from Greece. The 28,000 foot mansion is home to art and historical pieces such as: suit of armor, tapestries, European paintings, religious art, sculptures, a Buddha statue, Native American art, original furniture, a vase from Cyprus dating to 1000 BCE. Gorgeous gardens. Interesting history on the Weeks family wealth and the Armand cosmetic business that they started. Impressive art collection that symbolizes Edith Weeks’ vast knowledge of history and art. Beautiful old growth woods, outdoor spaces for music festivals. Knowledgeable docents that can answer all of your questions. It was definitely worth the trip and we spent 2 hours touring the mansion and the grounds.

Very interesting and informative. David Ross was our tour guide and very involved with the restoration and preservation of the house. Definitely was worth having a tour guide.

Salisbury House made for a lovely afternoon visit! The docents are knowledgeable and the home is certainly a hidden gem here in Des Moines. The architecture alone is worth the visit but also learning the story of the family that once called the property home is well worth it. Definitely recommend and an easy visit - recommend about 1.5 hours to read and do everything on an initial visit.

While in Des Moines visiting my mother we heard about a local house tour near her in Urbandale. So glad we looked it up and went for the tour. Dick was our tour guide and was fabulous!! He went into great detail and made the entire tour a great one. Mom is elderly-90, and she was using her walker-he was very kind and helpful when we needed it in the elevator and small steps throughout the house-it was very doable. We enjoyed our talk so much that at the end of the tour Dick helped Mom into our car. Thanks for a lovely day. The house inside and out is a treasure.

Our wedding at the Salisbury House was absolutely magical! The venue’s historic charm, lush gardens, and stunning architecture created the perfect backdrop for our day. The staff was incredibly helpful and professional, making the planning and day-of experience seamless. Every guest commented on how breathtaking and unique the setting was — truly a five-star experience from start to finish!

This place is so beautiful and has such an interesting history in the heart of Des Moines. Getting a guided tour is well worth it. We've been here a handful of times and David is the best tour guide we've ever had. He is so immensely knowledgeable and passionate. There are many events, but you have to act fast if you want tickets. We bring anyone who visits us in Des Moines to tour the Salisbury, because it's just such an amazing European castle feel in the middle of the city

This is our second show (Queen, Beatles) with Fever/Candlelight and they were both over the top! You might want to spend.the.extra $$$ and.sit it section A. But, you do t have to because the music engulfs you know matter where you sit. But the front row is outstanding also!

Beautiful building and nice landscaping, with different flowers.

Went to the Queen tribute and it was amazing. The musicians shared background of the music, played a dozen Queen songs, PLUS pieces from operas and classical selections. Venue was beautiful with the candlelight. Beverages available for purchase. Comfy chairs. Could see and hear from everywhere. I sat in the way back and could see and hear everything well. I went early and enjoyed the gardens surrounding the World Food Prize building it was hosted at in Des Moines IA. Cost was $50 for an hour and a half a glorious entertainment. Awesome!

Amazing!! If you ever get a chance to see a candlelight tribute, GO!!! We saw Queen and it was truly amazing. The setting is beautiful with all the candles and the music…wow.

Stunning building, very informative tour. Not the most exciting experience, but if you like educational tours this one is worth taking.

Wonderful experience! Setting was much more intimate than expected. Quite lovely. The musicians were phenomenal & fun making the evening exceptionally enjoyable. Could not help but to move to the music! Outstanding choice & delivery of music for the Halloween season. I would recommend sitting in section A for the very best experience. If you want to take video or photos at the end when they allow it, you’ll want to be in the first two rows. We were in the third row, section A and it was difficult to obtain any video or photos without them being unobstructed. We are so happy that we have already purchased tickets for the Taylor Swift candlelight with our friends after last nights experience!! This type of event would be a wonderful gift for anyone I believe. So grateful we were able to be there for the first one in Des Moines! Thank you to the musicians, again they were magnificent!!

Unique, boutique Candlelight Concert series w/ songs by Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at this venue was a once in a lifetime event experience. Highly recommend the quartet, the historic building and the overall ambience and vibe. Support local musicians while being awed and entertained. Great for families, dates and celebrations.

Loud because it is right next to the interstate and a dam in the river, which takes away from the peacefulness of it. there was also a lot of bugs, and the path is not very handicap friendly. Looks cool from a far though.

Was easy to find and tons of parking to walk around and see everything the garden has to offer.

I recently visited the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden while in Des Moines for a former friend’s wedding and was completely charmed. Nestled along the Des Moines River, this peaceful garden feels like a hidden sanctuary right in the middle of downtown, an ideal spot to relax between wedding festivities. From the graceful koi pond to meandering pathways and its iconic red bridge, every corner feels artfully designed and thoughtfully maintained. I found myself unwinding on a bench just before the rehearsal dinner, soaking in the tranquil ambience, the gentle trickling of water, lush plantings, and seasonal blooms creating a perfect urban escape. Whether you’re pausing for wedding-day photos, casually strolling, or simply taking a breather before or after an event, the garden offers a moment of calm and reflection. The volunteers and staff keep the space impeccably clean and welcoming, and its central location makes it easy to pair a quick visit with a walk or bike ride to nearby reception venues. I absolutely loved how this garden adds a picturesque and meaningful backdrop to a wedding weekend in Des Moines. It elevated my experience, between ceremony, dinner, and dancing, it was the perfect escape. If you’re in town for a wedding or just need a tranquil spot to unwind and enjoy nature, the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden is an absolute must, highly recommend!

8.18.25 Clean, peaceful, beautiful views, a place to visit, sit, walk around. And it's free.

A very quick sight seeing spot. And nice walk along the lake.

Perfect place to take a nice relaxing slow walk and snap some photos!

I had no idea the information I’d discover here. I do wish people would just admire more instead of leaving their tags… can’t we just enjoy other cultures?!

This was a very nice and comfortable little winery. It is a nice place to hang out for a couple hours. Have a glass of wine sit by their fire, chat with your friends! Their grounds are small but cute. Their wines range on the sweeter side, but there were also a few drier ones. They have red wine, white wines, and ciders. Would be a good place for events as well.

We used Jasper Winery for our rehearsal dinner and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice! Sydney was wonderful to work with throughout the entire process, and she made sure all of our requests were met. We hosted a casual food truck dinner that flowed between the indoor space and the outdoor area, which was exactly what we wanted. We invited families to our rehearsal dinner, and the kids loved having the green space to run around in. The vineyard also provided a beautiful backdrop for photos. Even though it was a hot day, everyone (about 100 ish people) fit comfortably inside, and Jasper also set up a white tent and tables outside to give us more space. We highly recommend Jasper Winery to anyone planning an event. The space, staff, and food truck option made our evening fun, relaxed, and unforgettable.

I had my wedding and reception at Jasper winery and it was amazing! I would recommend it to anyone looking for an event venue. The staff payed close attention to details and was super helpful and knowledgeable in the planning process!

3 different parties going on so that made for some significant wait time at the counter but otherwise a good experience. Didn’t love all the wines but definitely found a couple I wanted an entire glass or bottle of. Sometimes there was a good breeze but was a bit warm on the patio. A fan would not go amiss. Otherwise great experience. Thanks y’all.

First off, let me just say that Sydney was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Not only was she extremely accommodating for my husband and I, but she was flexible, honest, attentive to detail, and genuine. Additionally, the bar staff on the night of the reception made sure our guests were safe and enjoying themselves! If you are looking for a place to do your wedding, reception, both, or just host a get together, this is a hidden gem and wonderfully affordable. I cannot be more grateful to the team that made our wedding reception so incredibly special.

Absolutely amazing! Jasper hosted my only daughter's wedding and reception. Sidney and her staff went above and beyond all my expectations. As a small business owner; I recognize how challenging it can be to meet sometimes unreasonable or just unrealistic expectations...but let me share with you how Sidney and Jasper went beyond what I would ever have asked of them. First, from the beginning; the selection tour and explanation of services was clear and up front. Very few add-ons, or extra charge surprises...it's the venue, the alcohol, and the gratuity; of course catering, decorating, and music is 3rd party. Sidney had her available dates right there and we were able to book the day we knew it was for us. From there, the kids and Sidney met a few times to work out details and verify times. Our event was Saturday, July 4th...they had the band NADAs on Friday, so our rehearsal was on Thursday...once again...no problem. The big day Saturday was a day of weather concerns. Of course we were doing the ceremomy outside and we had a 2 hour window to make the call in or out. Inside, would have been tough for 140 people; they say 150 is the max for inside. I'm not sure how it would have worked. But, we made the call for outside and Sidney and her staff made sure all the chairs were dry. Voila! We made it through without rain...but the weather wasnt over. At dinner a HUGE cell came through and knocked the power out. Sidney was out under the tent pulling our glass vases and flowers off the tables under the tent, dropping chairs, and ensuring our guests all would be fine. Our DJ, Seth from Select Entertainment Iowa was also absolutely AMAZING! He had his expensive equipmemt outside under the tent and yet, selflessly continued to make sure the night was all about our daughter and new husband Mike. By the time dinner was over the power had been restored, Christianis (also fantastic) was serving cake and coffee...the weather had cleared for the night. Sidney went outside and quietly cleared the floor of standing water, set up the tables again; Seth got his DJ system powered back up and we partied the night away like nothing had ever happened. It was miraculous! So yea; when I say Jasper and Sidney go way beyond what I expected...it's TRUE. You won't find a better staff to host your event.

Despite that fact that we had to sit outside in the heat due to a wedding going on, we really enjoyed it. The wine was great and our waiter, Chet, was outstanding. He even brought us a list of local restaurants that serve vegetarian food. My sister and I both ended up buying some bottles of wine.

Unique place with great food! It was relatively busy when we arrived with a 25 minute wait to dine inside Zombie Burger. They also had patio seating for a slightly shorter wait. While waiting we took the opportunity to do some of the photo ops and noticed a Ramen place attached. Turns out, it's all the same place with the same menu and this side could serve us immediately. The lady was super welcoming and friendly. We ordered fried pickles, a cheeseburger, Dawn of the Dead, Walking Ched, & T-Virus all with fries. Everything was made to order and delicious. Fries were perfect.... perfect batter, perfect flavor, perfect crunch. It was a little on the pricey side, coming in at over $86 without tip. Overall, it was family friendly and a good experience.

Fun! Friendly! Delicious! We came into town for the Nicotine Dolls/Wic Whitman concert from Minnesota, a few local Ladies we were standing near told us about Zombie Burger so we hung around on Friday to see the sights until they opened. We are so glad we did! The leather Face was to die for. And the Brussel sprouts with the Zombie sauce was AMAZING! We sat outside as it was a beautiful breezy day, then this FREAKY TRUCK PULLED UP! AND A PIG MAN JUMPED OUT WITH A CHAIN SAW!!! How fun! I asked my wait staff if it was just because it was October? They said Nope, they were from the slaughter house where they get their meat from..."Just making their weekly delivery!" Talk about perfect timing to be there! It totally completed our AMAZING girls trip to Des Moines. It was my mother's 78th birthday getaway...one she will NEVER forget! Thank you Nicotine Dolls Wic Whitney and ZOMBIE BURGER!!!!!

I've been here a handful of times over the past few years. The burgers are decent and the milkshakes are always pretty good. My favorite thing to get every time is the Goat Cheese Poppers, though. So good! Especially with the raspberry dipping sauce. Somehow, it just works! I'm not sure when they added the ramen, but my hubs brought it home tonight. It was alright. The broth was a little too bitter and the char sui was cooked weird for being in ramen. It was still decent, but I think I would just stick with the burger after my next year-long hiatus. Love the updates to the inner-space, and the kiosks for ordering take-out. Novelty food, for sure. But if you like jalapeño poppers then definitely try theirs!

Des Moines I stop here for dinner. Tonight was our first time eating dinner here. The food and service is fantastic. The prices are reasonable This is all-time favorite restaurant due to the fantastic food, creativity of the menu and the atmosphere. I am a huge fan of Zombie movies and shows. I love all the decor throughout the restaurant, and the Zombie news on the back of the menu is a nice touch.

Tried Zombie Burger for the first time and had their special K-Pop Ramen Hunters—absolutely delicious! I don’t usually handle spice very well, but the staff was awesome and swapped the spicy broth for pork broth, which I really appreciated. On top of that, their cereal shakes are a must-try—sweet, fun, and just as good as they sound. Definitely a spot worth checking out!

Sure it’s a little gimmicky but it’s an indulgent treat every once in a while. I got a cinnamon toast crunch shake which it’s exactly as sweet and delicious as you’d expect. I also got the Juan of the dead burger with lettuce (no bun) and the veggie nut patty. I was expecting a lettuce wraps but was pleasantly surprised it was more like a salad. The veggie patty was unique and not your typically black bean burger. The burger was cheese and the sauce was creamy. I appreciate they gave the sauce on the side so it wasn’t soaking wet. It’s a bit pricey but worth it. Parking meters and garage nearby are finicky but not the restaurant’s fault.

Zombie Burger – 4/5 The food was really good, but what truly makes Zombie Burger stand out is the killer theme. The place is packed with clever, zombie-style takes on classic movie posters, and the atmosphere is an absolute vibe — everyone there seemed to be having a great time soaking it all in. I ended up giving it a 4/5, but honestly, that’s only because I think I ordered the wrong burger. I’ll definitely be back to try another one — this place is too fun (and too tasty) not to.

Such a fun place to go to pass time — The building is large & admission is free! I really appreciated how interactive the exhibits were. Some sections had educational videos, music videos, and the animals had nature sounds! We also took home some free books that they had available near the entrance.

Took my teen boys. I not be in years not lot has changed . They had some new things . A lot of open space . It took us 2 hrs go through it . There is lot of neat things to see and read. It real cool building. If looking for something fun to do as a family kill few hrs it's worth checking out. It's free u can donate it u like .

A very nice and interesting place to visit the entrance is free.

I went to see the American Revolution Traveling Exhibit and had sine extra time so my husband and I toured the first floor exhibit. It was well done, glad they switched up the displays a bit since the last time I was there.

My 1st impression was "Where is everything?" as the main floor was empty except for the mammoth and visitor desk. Seemed like lost potential there. Some of the rooms didn't pertain to Iowa. Takes about acouple hrs or less to walk through, depending on if you read everything. Kids enjoyed it, plus it's free. Nice area as it is also close to the state capital to tour.

This museum is awesome! Tons and tons of artifacts and really cool information. They definitely put time and effort into making this museum worth your while!

Wide variety of exhibits, from war memorabilia, to movies filmed in the state and more modern events, as well as history on the states expansion and development. Lots of history and items relating to the civil war, including personal effects of generals and soldiers who were from Iowa. Admission to the museum is free and there is a cafe located on the third floor.

Very nice Brewery with a lot of good beer options! The Ruthie Exile is fantastic! I love the atmosphere and they had really good live music while we were there. We will definitely be back.

This brewery was nice to visit. They had a food truck available (Jethros BBQ) where I got me some smoked wings. The wings were terrible 😫. Even Flash fried, the meat was tough. Never doing that again. But other than that, the brewery was very nice with an outside patio. The view was great.

Stopped in on a visit after trying the pumpkin beer at a restaurant nearby. It was so good and we are from a total beer town so we had to investigate the brewery. We wish we could have taken some of the beer home! During our time there, they had a haunted house type area you could sit in-which after having to move inside from the patio (also nice). It was so cool and they also were super helpful in finding NA options.

We made reservations for a spooky date and the food, service and atmosphere were fantastic. Will definitely be returning! I definitely think this is the best Halloween pop up in the metro!

Really enjoyed this place. Very nice staff, the food was pretty good, and the place is really nice. Overall it is a great combination and I would go back to grab a beer and some food.

Had a lovely time here! I was 40 minutes early for an interview and the waitresses were very kind and offered samples while waited. They had excellent suggestions for my unique preferences in drinks and I settled on a Tico Time. Once my company arrived, we had split 4 meatball side which was steaming and had a nice spice kick to it. We chatted for a long time and I had an Exile Burger medium done with some fries and a mayo style dip. It was so juicy and flavorful with a little crunch from the included fried onion rings on it. I only give it a 4 for food since was my first time, but I'd gladly go visit and try my beer and food.

Great food and the Halloween decorations were next world. Only issue we had was the appetizer didn't come out till after the main dishes. Not our servers fault.

Great staff and a great place to find a hidden gem. When we are back in town I will be back to look for more. This was my first time and I found an old floor grate and turned it into a garden piece for the wife's birthday.

Such a fun and eclectic store! So many treasures can be found on each floor and the staff... The staff is just phenomenal! We are so happy we stopped in on our trip from Washington State. We will be back on our next visit!

This is a multi-purpose center. They host events, sell coffee, and sell vintage and antique items, mostly furniture. I was there for an event and tried their black coffee, which was very good. They also sell specialty coffee at reasonable prices. It was fascinating to see their vintage and antique items for sale. It's worth checking out if you are interested in any of these things.

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Des Moines! Loved all the good stuff here and I bought some fun things. The people are so nice. I love the coffee shop in front where you can get beer, wine, coffee, all so you can sip and stroll and just enjoy browsing. Loved it and I wish we had something like this in my town.

This is by far the coolest place in Des Moines. The antiques are incredible and each floor transports you through different decades. There is a wonderfully priced coffee shop and the staff is unbelievably kind. I will go back every chance that I get.

This was a really fun visit and I am glad we stopped in during our weekend trip to Des Moines. There are multiple floors or every vintage, antique, weird, fun, and everything in between here. There is even a coffee shop (we did not get anything though). We really loved walking through here and seeing some old things that we've never came across at any vintage/antique store. You can tell that the person collecting all of this has put a ton of time and effort into bringing all of it into this building. My only complaint was the pricing on everything. In my opinion, and based on numerous other similar stores we've been to, everything was very marked up. Now, I understand most of it is valid and really is worth that, but some items were kind of outrageous. Overall, West End is a super cool store to visit and worth it even if you just window shop. I am sure we will come back and see what new stuff is here when we visit Des Moines again.

We travel from Texas to visit my wife's dad each year in Iowa and always wanted to stop here. Enjoyed watching the show on TV and wanted to see it in person. It's a very unique experience. Not at all what I expected. Floor after floor of amazing things to see. We spent the better part of the day just wandering around in here. The variety of odds and ends is pretty cool. Definitely worth a visit if you are in or around the area. I think my favorite things here were all the stained glass they had. Plus all the unique things they build.

Wonderful venue with so much history to see a concert in. Great seating - beautiful stage. Burton Cummings of the Guess Who & his band were great.

Went and saw Nurse Blake! Beautiful place, the bathrooms were nice. There was a bar area but we didnt use it. They also had valet parking which was great!

Great place for a comedy show. I saw Jeff Arcuri and he was amazing! I went by myself, and was lucky to sit next to and meet an amazing woman named Erica who was there with a friend. We vibed during the show and parted ways afterwards, creating a memory I will never forget.

Pros: Love the old historical beauty of this place. Bren there twice this year for shows. Great view of stage no matter where you sit. Cons: Because its an older building bathrooms are small. Seats do not accommodate tall or larger people. Knees were into the chair in front of me all night. Metal frame of chairs hurt to sit narrow seats.

Our second concert here. Love it! At 6'3 and 5'9 both with new knees sitting down in low rise seats is a comical sight. Other than that it's a great venue.

The place is stunning inside. They have to do better on the bathrooms. You'd think after all these years and all the shows and profits, they could add a couple more bathrooms. It's like a maze to find the one, no matter how many times you have been there. The worst bathroom set up I think I have seen in a place like this.

Cool to see, yet the seats are SO close together & it makes it very hard to move around. Went as I’ve wanted to see Michael W. Smith live since I was a teen! Great concert, very friendly employees, & not hard to leave like at many concert venues when it’s over. Would go again, for the right artist.

I would label this a must-do if you are in the Des Moines area. The mansion is beautiful and there’s actually quite a bit to see here. The tour is super affordable ($5) and our docent was very knowledgeable. The history behind the house is really cool and it’s very pretty.

Toured with a small group and found the docent to be very knowledgeable and helpful and willing to look up info on questions she didn't know offhand. The home is beautiful and although the tour is short, it's well worth it. Lots of unique history behind this governor's mansion!

Great informative tour. Tour gives a very detailed history of this majestic historic home and it is beautifully maintained.

The house was beautiful and Greg did an amazing job with the tour. Definitely a must see in Des Moines!

Kent was a great tour guide. This is a must-do tour in Des Moines! Kent was so knowledgeable and made our visit feel like we were watching the historic events themselves unfold in real time. Highly recommend, and also book your tickets in advance!

Very beautiful home from the 1860's, saved from calls to be torn down, and fully restored. Ironically, the third floor now functions as the residence for the Governor of Iowa.

Tour guide had great stories. The history of how the house became a governor's mansion is interesting.

This is a huge waterfront park with tons of parking and areas to use for sports, walks, dogs, etc. There’s a cute little beach and paved trails running through out. The only downside is the dog park is not free, you need to scan a code and app to pay $5. I didn’t feel like going to all that when there were plenty of other areas I could walk my dogs.

Took my daughter there to compete in here first USA Triathlon. The park is excellent. Clean with an open feeling, yet safe. The lakeside is beautiful. Peaceful. Clean bathroom facilities and covered areas by the picnic areas.

This park is excellent! We were here during the Raccoon River festival, which was awesome for kids. The new playground has a healthy mix of equipment and the rubber ground. My kids especially enjoyed the myriad of climbing ropes along with the big slides. There is ample parking, a nice swimming beach, and plenty of trails around the water.

Amazing urban park for the region. The infrastructure is in top shape and there were many people happily using the park in various ways when we visited yesterday.

We spent the weekend at the raccoon River Park baseball fields, which were very nice, very clean, the staff was present on site. You saw them in the bathrooms and changing the trash. They did a great job. The concession stand had lots of options, including adult beverages.Overall a great place to spend the weekend playing baseball.

Absolutely beautiful and brilliant park. The equipment is all ability inclusive. My 10 month old and 2 year old had a blast. So much for them to do and to climb on. Had a great time. The restrooms are closed for the winter but there is a portable potty there if you need it.

Playground! The new all inclusive playground is finished! I love that there’s an area that’s geared towards crawlers! My 12mo isn’t walking yet and he had so much fun. They used a fake grass for the little area and then that bouncy flat surface for the other areas. There’s a lot to do! I like and don’t like how spread out it is. I like that you don’t feel like you’re on top of people because it’s spread out but that does make it difficult to keep an eye on your kids. There is the best rope climbing center I’ve ever seen, the slide is big enough to be fun but not so big like other parks that get almost too high for little kids comfort. The bathrooms are still there and the shelters with lots of picnic tables. Regular swings in the swing area and 2 bucket swings over in the little kid area. It’s a really pretty view with so many trees and being raccoon River beachside. Cons making this 4 stars that I understand are relative. Bigger kids kept coming to play in the little kid area, I had to have my head on swivel and quick reflexes to make sure my little ones fingers aren’t stepped on or that he was knocked over. It’s spread out in a way that I can’t see all areas from a single point, I just told my kids to keep checking in with me as they played or I went and found them to check in. It was busy, I know as the newness wears off it will be more “normal”. My kids had a lot of fun! It was just a little more stressful than I was anticipating because of how busy it was. Make sure you check it out and if crowds stress you out plan your visit during slow times if you can. (Early morning / during school hours)

Cozy aesthetic that throws you back to a time gone by with the original architecture, and details from when it was built. To get to the theater you do need to climb stairs to the smaller theaters — not wheelchair friendly. Very beautiful!

This is a great wedding or large group venue. Unique architecture and ambiance. 2nd and 3rd floor areas. Well maintained and clean. Drawback is only on street parking available.

Very cool venue for a date night. A good focal point for the evening but a early dinner or drinks after will be needed to complete the night.

Great small venue for a show. Could use slightly better signage. It's in the old Masonic Temple above South Union Bread.

Went to the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. Acting/storytelling was phenomenal. Cocktails are tasty, but a bit on the weak side, just FYI.

Quaint little theater. Perfect for a cozy performance. I sat in the very front row, but the seats behind me looked comfortable and seemed like everyone would have an unobstructed view. Good enough sound and acoustics. It's connected to Centro, but there are other restaurants nearby. I would have no problem returning.

Lovely historical theater located on the second floor of the Masonic Temple of Des Moines, a historic Beaux Arts building built in 1913. It is a very nice smaller theater perfectly sized for interaction between performers and their audience. Located on the first floor of the building are two restaurants, Centro, an Italian restaurant, and the South Union Bread Cafe. We could smell delicious smells coming from Centro during the performance. Small but well stocked bar available in the lobby of the theater. Seating is fairly cramped and not all that comfortable but tolerable. I would invest in better seating to draw more repeat patrons.

Minus the star because they held a concert right after rain and did not do anything to mitigate the muddy walking areas & exiting traffic was very congested. ( That could be influenced by local road construction or not). On the flip side the sheer of variety in food trucks and beverages both not alcoholic and adult all around plud free coozies at one stop a plethora of bathrooms available and even though it was warm out and humid to start with it was a beautiful night to see Beck in concert. The first 2 hours were his sets, including the local orchestra, which truly elevated the music, and then, after nine p m , he played his older classics. Arriving in getting parked was a great experience. It flowed well, and all of the volunteers were expertly informed, and it was a very smooth process. However , as you try to leave , there are a variety of vehicles parked with their flashers on in places to pick others up and those are not the right places to do that, which caused a bottle neck or two.

Love it here. Huge field great for kites, plenty of water ways to fish lots of wild life so don't be surprised to see some deer. My favorite place to get a way that's not too far from home.

Common walking area that’s pet friendly and kid friendly. The natural playground is great for large motor skills for the kids. Also, this is a great place for photography

Connected to Greys lake via tunnel. Great for dogs, kids, bikes. Trail is paved. Unique wooden play structure for kids. Also a fishing spot and concerts in summer. Restrooms available. Picnic tables along trail and Greys Lake has boat rentals.

Love Des Moines Symphony concerts there on Labor day weekend. Parking and traffic can be overwhelming.

If you ever choose to go to a concert here, don’t. The walk is horrendous. Waiting in line for a beer for untrained event staff to serve was about an hour and a half for me. The event that I went to didn’t seem like a super popular concert but they charged you $20 for chicken strips and $25 for a burger and fries. Beers are about nine dollars apiece, depending on the event. They had a lot of porter potties, which was great and I never had to wait for a bathroom. The service was absolutely horrible in that area so if you lose your friends then you are out of luck because it took me about three hours to get service back in the area even with priority service at US cellular. Probably the worst place to have an event. June was really rough because obviously it was pretty hot at the end of the month. They move up their times normally to 630 from seven but none of the artists start till 8 PM. When you have a line that long it’s miserable. I sold my other concert tickets because it was at the same venue. I would recommend never going to a concert here.

The scenery is peaceful and beautiful. The trails are well maintained and my wife loves driving through at night to see the water sparkle.

We came out for the weekend brunch & it did not disappoint! Most of the food is served family style where they bring out a big portion for the table to share. All the food was excellent & the service was good too!

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewery in Des Moines, Iowa is a great downtown spot for enjoying a drink in a relaxed, welcoming setting. On our recent visit, we stopped in for a quick drink and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and atmosphere. I ordered one of their house-brewed IPA beers, which was crisp, flavorful, and perfectly balanced for IPA lovers. My wife went with a grapefruit mule, which was refreshing, well-mixed, and had just the right amount of citrus zing. The brewery itself has a beautiful, historic building vibe with high ceilings, exposed brick, and warm lighting that makes it feel both cozy and upscale. The brewing area behind glass is a fun touch — it’s always interesting to see where the beer is actually made while you’re enjoying a pint. While we didn’t order food this time, the menu offers a wide range of pub favorites, burgers, sandwiches, and locally inspired dishes. Service was friendly and efficient, and despite the State Fair pulling most of the downtown crowd, the staff kept the atmosphere upbeat and welcoming. Court Avenue is also known for being a great gathering place for friends, date nights, or pre-event drinks before a concert or game. If you’re exploring downtown Des Moines, it’s worth stopping in to try their craft beer, cocktails, and hearty food in a unique, historic setting.

Worth every dollar spent here. Excellent customer service, they were all so very friendly, helpful and patient especially with the long line at the Farmers Market. Enjoyed the Steak, Egg, Gruyère cheese with garlic aioli sauce on a sesame bun, added avocado and tomato. Ooh this hit the spot for, perfection.

This was my first time at this restaurant. I went out for brunch after enjoying the farmers market with my friends for a weekend trip. One of my friends is very allergic to avocados and asked the waitress to leave them off of the dish she ordered because she couldn’t have them. When her plate arrived, the avocados were on the dish and she had to ask for it to be remade. Additionally, we ordered a pitcher of the blueberry Moscow mule. I am a Moscow mule fanatic and love trying new flavors when I’m out and about. Upon our first few sips, we all agreed that there was no blueberry flavor. When we asked the waitress if it was for sure blueberry and not another flavor, she said the bartender “definitely put blueberry in there.” Usually when a guest isn’t happy with their drink, they offer to remake it or add something to it to make it better. That didn’t occur. I was disappointed in how we were treated. It felt very transactional. I was overall pleased with my own food but the service was something that makes me not want to come back here again.

This experience wasn't quite what we had hoped for. The service was mediocre. The server was kind of crabby and uninterested in serving us when she found out we weren't ordering meals. We did order some french fries which were cold and she never offered us any utensils or napkins. The beer was hit or miss. Didn't stay and try them all because the service wasn't worth paying for. On a positive note to ambiance was fantastic, beautiful old town building. Wish we would have had a better experience.

Arrived for a late lunch on a Friday afternoon. The place was quiet, with only a few other customers. I was seated immediately, and the service was great. The turkey avocado club was excellent. 10/10.

It wasn't that busy, so I popped in for lunch, and I'm glad I did. The reuben with a side of coleslaw was extremely good. The bartender was exceptionally nice. I will have to come again when I'm in the area.

A very popular brewery, especially with the cyclists. There is a bike path leading from the park directly to the brewery in the rear of the building. The entrance is easy to find. We didn’t have a problem with parking, but unless there is more parking elsewhere, the main lot would fill quickly. A new concrete wheelchair ramp was being installed and should be functional once rails are put on. You have to traverse a few hallways to get back to the taproom. They advertise new beers every week and it shows. There were 35 beers on the tap board during our visit. The flights are 4 sets of 5 oz pours. We visited at 4:30 on a Saturday. The staff was friendly and there was no wait to order with several seating options available. It’s family friendly with kids joining their parents. Unfortunately there is little sound dampening and the noise was loud enough that I had to use my outside voice to talk across the table. The atmosphere was friendly with cool wall art. Overall a good brewery. The flavor profile of the 8 beers my wife and I sampled weren’t to our tastes with only 1 each meeting “would order again” status. No real complaints, but not on my list to visit again.

In town for business and I asked a colleague what their favorite microbrew was in the Des Moines area and they said Confluence! Cool taproom with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area has lots of tables, and outdoor bar, and tonight they were playing live music. Loves the chill vibes and all of the people walking and riding bikes along the trail and to the taproom. There is plentiful bike racks for safe keeping while you enjoy a beer and a break. I tried the Milkman Molk Stout and it was superb stout - they have an extensive selection and I wish I had time to go back and try more.

It's difficult to even put into words how much I love this place. Confluence isn’t just my favorite brewery in Des Moines — it might be my favorite brewery, period. It’s the only spot within walking distance of our house, and it’s become our go-to. It feels like "Cheers" in the best way: friendly staff, catching up with neighbors and an awesome patio overlooking Gray's Lake park. And that’s just the atmosphere. The beer itself is on another level. There’s probably a dozen I look forward to every year - there's a new release each Friday - which is wild, because I’m not the most adventurous beer drinker. They just know what they’re doing. If you’re local, you already know. If you’re visiting, make this one of your stops. You won’t regret it.

Great drinks! The inside smell I couldn’t tolerate but it’s okay because they have plenty of outdoor seating. Great place to bike to or walk over to if you are at Greys Lake.

Always a great time. Lots of different styles of their beers are always available. When it’s stout month you should go (mostly) dark! They have a gorgeous patio that is just a short walk away from Grays Lake park and the bike trails.

Amazing experience. Loved the patio and live music. So many beer options and they were all very tasty. Fun taproom, great art. Highly recommend. We came in from KC and are already talking about a trip back for Confluence

We recognize Chris for going above and beyond at Wasabi Waukee on September 23, 2025. We were facing an urgent issue with our keg cooler that was impacting draft service. Chris not only helped diagnose and repair the cooler on the spot, he also assisted with swapping in new kegs, confirming lines, pressures, and temperatures, and ensuring every tap was pouring correctly before he left. His professionalism, technical know-how, and willingness to stay until the job was truly complete prevented service interruptions during a busy period and saved us product waste. Please pass along my thanks—this is exactly the kind of partnership we value. Chris represented Confluence exceptionally well. Thank you, Rhiannon King General Manager, Wasabi Waukee

This place has great beer. Their selection of styles was right on point, especially since they have lots of onsite and to-go options. Staff were super friendly and their attentiveness was top notch. The food options were nice with large portions with great flavor. The atmosphere was very relaxed and definitely made this a favorite place to visit. Overall if your looking for great beer to drink now or later check this place out, but if your staying for a draft get the food you won’t be disappointed.

Stopped by Lua for dinner since it was a lovely evening and they were one of the only places that allow dogs on the patio. Our server, Annie, was attentive, helpful with choosing sours and very kind. The food was filling and very tasty and fresh. I don't normally love croutons but these were fresh, salted and amazing. I couldn't stop myself. Try the Ghost sour; feels like summer when we drank it!

Loved the food, and the service was amazing. Every employee we spoke with was engaged and extremely attentive. Keep up the good work. Would not recommend the kimchi cheese steak sandwich greasy and very one note not in a pleasant way. Highly recommend the burger and caviar appetizer.

Phenomenal. Great service. Clean. Plenty of room. Food is next level and I found my new favorite sour in Candy Paint. I wish I could have it sent to me in Ohio. The breakfast burrito absolutely hit the spot and my wife said the strawberry salad was the best she's ever had. Well. Done.

Seems like a cool place! We came for the special of lobster rolls. Looks very pretty but unfortunately was bland and not worth the $30. Not staffed appropriately for this special event either. Took 20min just to get water. We will come back again when no specials are going on to give it another shot cause the regular menu sounds really good!

I was happy to find avocado toast on the menu. The description sounded great. I also added a side Caesar salad at the server's recommendation. Both were absolutely wonderful and full of flavor.

Great beers and bonus food was also exceptional 👌 (lunch special slaps) Adrienne (hope I have her name right) was lovely and the rest of the staff were friendly and hard at work. Can't wait to be back next time we're in town!

Beautiful trails, clean facilities, and absolutely stunning scenery. Some sections are so fragrant they smell like wildflowers in bloom. I love walking the loops here — it’s peaceful, well-maintained, and a great way to recharge. Just don’t forget the bug spray, especially in the warmer months!

This is a pleasant, mostly level trail through the woods. The main trail forms a meandering circle around the property that's a little over 2 miles in length, but there are turn-off opportunities not shown on the map that provide for shorter hikes if so desired. It's biggest downside is the persistent noise pollution from the nearby road, at least on the eastern edge.

Beautiful walking trail. Good maps throughout. Very muddy in spots, but that's how nature trails go. Just be careful after it rains, 2 hills are slick.

A great trail for a peaceful hike through the woods! The path is mostly shaded, offering a cool and relaxing atmosphere even on warmer days. I completed the longest loop, which was just over 3 miles, in under an hour at a leisurely pace, also saw a couple of people trail running. The trail is well-maintained with a few benches for breaks. I visited on a Sunday afternoon and practically had the trail to myself – perfect for a quiet nature escape. There's convenient parking at the trailhead, and Walnut Woods is another nearby trail option worth exploring.

A very nice walk in the woods, felt very serene even though we were close to major roads. Trails are well labeled and maintained. The outer long loop has several fairly steep sections, but the shorter loops are easier.

A most gorgeous place. The best trails to get lost in nature for a bit.

Nice dirt trail. Smooth and easy on the feet. Went in the middle of the day on a somewhat windy day and it wasn't horribly buggy but for sure walked quickly to avoid bites. Very weedy but we were able to stay on the trail without getting brushed with weeds too much. A bit of mud but easy to walk around. I'd compare this trail to the trail at Margo Frankel Woods. Could hear road noise on half the loop. Trail decently maintained and gave the distance we were looking for.

Ive dabbled in Catholicism and maybe one day I will commit if its best for me, but when I did go here often, it was great. The church itself is very beautiful inside and outside, you will feel so small when inside the cathedral. Youll see people often come here outside of weekend masses, to of course have mass but also to pray as there is a large sense of inspiration in the atmosphere. The parish is sociable, they are kind and you will have great conversations if you start them. Priests care and love what they do, love their parish If you are catholic or interested in the faith its a great place to be

This church is across the street from the mega YMCA that hosted the events for the National Senior Games. Beautiful church.

Very nice Cathedral. It has a bit of a mix between morden and antique.

One of the most beautiful cathedrals I have been in, such a hidden beauty. Grateful Mercy College is able to do pinning ceremonies here. Highly recommend attending.

Beautiful. The Father I ran into breaks all stereotypes. Building on National Historic Registry.

Felt at home when I walked in. I didn't understand all of the prayers, but it didn't make me feel unwelcome or out-of-place

Only been there for a Drake Univ. choir concert, but it's a beautiful worship space with stained glass windows and an ornate ceiling.

We saw Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel perform an acoustic show on Friday, November 15 (they are amazing). I had never been to Wooly's before. The service was great and the venue had great acoustics. It's definitely got a dive bar feel. We paid $75 for a VIP booth when the general admission seating would have been just fine. Not sure if that's a Wooly's problem or an AXS tickets problem. Fun night overall!!

Good venue when you can actually buy tickets. Attempted to buy tickets for a show and was given constant issues with processing (order constantly timing out on their end). Purchasing is done through AXS (which explains a lot) and tried a variety of ways to complete the transaction: website, app, different browsers, devices, etc and nothing. Called the venue phone number during its noted business hours. Menu options just give the simplest info (basically “go to our website”) before rotating back to the main menu. Not able to speak to a single soul. Well, anyways.

Excellent concert venue with downtown metered parking until 9pm. $11 premium draft beer and $8 cans.

I seriously think and feel this place needs new management due to incredibly rude female bartender that shouldn’t be working with people. I asked for some water and she told me I could buy a plastic bottle for 3 dollars or go to the dungeon/restroom that absolutely smelled horrible and drink out of a fountain that you would actually have to put your mouth on to actually get a drink let alone the sound system was completely outdated. The sound guy had no idea what he was doing. The two fans that they had going couldn’t be turned on to actually use due to the dust and grime that it would create but to be honest it fit the locals attitudes. I’ll not be going to Des Moines to celebrate any kind of event was mean mugged and threatened multiple times by a bunch of seriously uptight want a be cowboys. I made it out without catching a case so I’m thankful for that but maybe these people need to think twice about how they treat perfect strangers and would love for a single one of them to come into my town and maybe they would learn a little something. How to shut up and respect other people might be there to listen to the music not them talking through the entire show and that you don’t own the entire space just because your head actually fills it. It could of been nice in the day but I’d beware unless you’re a complete uptight miserable person who only wants to act tough because you got your buddies you think would have your back as my boots stomp if you actually had the courage to do what you say. I was just waiting for someone to actually put one hand on me or my girlfriend. You would of regretted every thought you sent my way. Get a grip on yourselves before someone like me gets a grip on you. All my Love

I cannot believe how terrible this venue was, this had to have been the worst concert venue experience I have ever had in my life. The Melvin’s played and they had NO SECURITY OR GUARDRAILS. This is a metal concert!!! My friend and I were front row and kept getting crushed by the crowd and teens that wanted to stage dive that would grab us and elbow us in the necks! No staff helped! (There was no security or staff watching AT ALL) It’s sad when the lead singer of the Melvin’s has to stand in front of us to block these stage divers from smashing us to get onstage. And they were jumping onto our heads and kicking us! Horrible venue that needs to get its stuff together. When the bands manager has to ask if we are okay after the show and no staff does, that’s a really sad problem! Bands were amazing, Wooly’s wasn’t!

Came here recently for a 90's cover band! Have been here for metal shows, emo night, and K-Pop night and had a great time, every time! The sound has been pretty decent every time I've gone. The bar can get kind of busy but other than that, it's a great venue. Ticket prices and drink prices seem fair. Great place for date night or a night out with friends! There's almost always something going on!

Excellent venue, great acoustics, friendly staff, wide variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages for reasonable prices, clean bathrooms, free seating with tables sometimes available plus booths available for purchase for larger groups, fantastic atmosphere and aesthetic, really love that they incorporate the old Woolworth's elements within the venue, close to affordable places to grab a bite to eat and ample parking. An intimate and fun place to go for live music and probably one of my absolute favorite venues ever.

I found exactly what I needed (No Kings T Shirt) I had previously ordered some items online and was pleased with my order, but WOW the showroom is chock full of tempting Tees, Stunning Stickers & signs etc. I would like thank Raygun for providing / sponsoring a couple Portable toilets for them MULTITUDE of attendees of the DSM Iowa " No Kings" protest.

Absolutely love this store! It’s my go-to for amazing gifts—but I can never leave without snagging something for myself. The selection of shirts, cards, stickers, and so much more is just too good to resist! I also learned today they also do custom made shirts!

Such a cool place! Multiple sections with themed shirts, stickers, and other items. Everything from sports to teachers. Clever one liners. We enjoyed the visit.

We love their t-shirts. Me and my family order from Raygun frequently and love all the messages they put on their products. Too bad some conservative snowflakes got their feelings hurt by some of the messaging. It really is funny stuff.

Best place to buy tshirts that speak my mind! I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere inside the store and the easy to navigate website.

A really fun store full of midwest goodies in the East Village. Had a great time walking around and checking out the merch. Staff was very friendly. They have a cool kids play space and are dog friendly! Definitely worth a visit.

If you live t-shirts with quirky saying, relevant social issues, or local specifically clothing and swag, Raygun is the place for you. Tons of cool designs available on shirts or stickers, there's also socks and post cards and books and other interesting objects. There's even a little kids playing nook in the back to keep the littles busy.

This park was the most enjoyable park I've seen in Des Moines so far! The wading pool was SO cool. 1'4" Water was almost warmer than the 85 degree weather, it was so nice we got in in our street clothes haha! New neat park equipment. 10/10 recommend.

Never again. My family was harassed and surveilled at Ashby Park and the community deserves to know.We arrived at 6:30 PM, well before the posted 10 PM closing time, planning to grill and let our kids play. Other families were at the park, but our group myself (a Black woman), my white spouse, our friend, and our children were the only one singled out and monitored.First, an uniformed man with a dog walked slowly by, watching us closely. He returned a short time later and sat near us, silently observing. Then a second uniformed staff member arrived, walked a slow circle around our picnic table, and also sat down nearby, continuing the pattern of unwanted scrutiny. Eventually, the staff member said, “Sundown’s coming,” and told us he was “locking everything up,” warning we only had a few minutes to grill despite having just arrived. The park was still open, and no other group was approached.As we continued enjoying what little time we had left, a white SUV sat parked watching us the entire time, not engaging, just watching. It pulled off the moment we began packing up to leave and immediately after, the same staff member pulled in again.We weren’t loud, we weren’t breaking rules. We were a peaceful family at a public park. But from the moment we arrived, we were surveilled, intimidated, and clearly made to feel we didn’t belong.This wasn’t just uncomfortable it felt deliberate.I do not recommend Ashby Park to Black families or interracial couples/ families, especially near sundown. What happened tonight was not equal treatment. It was a clear message: this space may be public, but it is not equally welcoming to all.

Ashby is one of our favorite parks in the metro. The playgrounds are fun on their own, but the standout attraction is the splash pool. It’s a great spot for little kids to cool off while parents enjoy the shade.

Not too crowded and well kept. My son had a lot of fun woth the small playground for toddlers. Great area to picnic while the little ones play!

Ashby park is well maintained and very family friendly. It has new playground equipment for a variety of ages and includes swings for children with special needs. It has a splash-pad and two tennis/pickle ball courts.

Great splash pad and playground equipment. Wish there were more bathroom stalls, especially since it is a busy park. Shelter is nice. Walking trail with an activity right now.

This park is wonderful for everyone of all ages. The splash pool is about a foot deep and almost the entire park is shaded by trees.

Went here for a Whiskey Meyers concert. The venue is nicely laid out and manicured. Nice that there are water fountains to fill bottles. My only suggestion would be to reconfigure the amount of port o pots to facilitate spectators. It's disheartening to pay good money to see an artist, only to spend a decent portion of the experience waiting for an empty toilet. Also, I would suggest that there be a few more alcohol vendors to support crowds as well.

ADA experience... Whiskey Myers' performance was a 5/5. It was a beautiful night, and the outdoor feel was fantastic. Most of the event staff was great as well, until it came to the security/Bully-ish seating staff that had No clue as to professionalism nor how to read a seating chart. :( I recently had a knee replacement. So, I try to purchase ADA seating whenever possible. It gives me more leg room and helps me to avoid uncomfortable seating situations or being crammed into the standard seats and then having knee problems for days after a show. We provided our ADA seating info. And... they (staff) had no clue where we were to be seated. One of the gate attendants assigned to our area of assigned seating instructs us to put our chairs in the grass to the left of the stage. (Glad we brought our own chairs, we paid for ADA seating, and it states chairs are provided but none where provided or available) My wife and I sat off to the side and couldn't have been happier! And then all a sudden, Ms. Suzy Security comes over and tells my wife and I we have to move off to the side of the assigned seating area and in an area where we no longer can see the stage! She even made a big scene in front of everyone, acting like we were the ones being unruly. By then, my wife just wanted to avoid conflict and would have sat anywhere, and I had become extremely annoyed and upset and may have been slightly unruly:) So I asked Suzi-security to show us Exactly where our assigned ADA seating was? And again, she had no clue and couldn't provide our assigned seats! She then informed me to either sit off to the side or "she could make us sit all the way in the back behind everyone else." I decided to drop it, and we went about our night. It was a great show, but this whole ADA seating experience just doesn't sit well with me. My bottom line is that I paid extra for these seats and feel like we were punished because they were unorganized. Last time I checked, if I pay for assigned seating, it should be provided, and if you can't provide it, a reasonable accommodation should be met. Otherwise, do not sell tickets for seats you are not able to provide... Just my opinion. Again, it was a great show. But the experience was less than enjoyable!

We attended the Beck and Des Moines Symphony Orchestra concert on 07/24/2025. Positives: All the staff were helpful and very nice. The campus is beautiful. Parking was easy and close. The vendor choices for drinks and food were very good. All the vendors we interacted with were friendly and super nice as well as a really good choice of foods and beverages. The sound was okay ( we were in the 4 th row). Negatives: The orchestra pit chair rows were extremely close together and without sounding dramatic, nearly dangerous for people to navigate due to how close the rows were. (Difficult navigation to get up and out and back to use the bathroom, people using canes, etc.). Also, at the center of the campus in front of the amphitheater, the grass was too long and should have been cut shorter for people to foot travel to and from. Also, picnic tables or tables and chairs for people to sit and eat or have a refreshment between the food trucks and amphitheater would have provided some comfort to attendees. When we left the concert, we think the vendors threw their ice and water out on the lawn, so walking around to the porta potties or back and forth, I was literally walking on some muddy water. (it had not rained.).

The Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park is incredible—a beautiful outdoor venue with amazing acoustics, spacious seating areas, and stunning views of nature all around. Whether you're catching a concert, festival, or community event, the vibe is always top-tier. Easy parking, clean grounds, and a layout that makes every spot feel close to the action. This is what outdoor entertainment should feel like!

I really, really enjoyed this facility. Beautiful crafted architecture! I recommend hosting events here! Respectfully, Madam Ambassador Dr. Nealy H.E. United Nations Peace Ambassador NGO ECOSOC Dr. Angela J. Nealy

I have attended 3 major concerts here over the past 2 years. I purchased reserved seating for 2. This last one, Beck, I decided to save $ and buy lawn tickets for my family & me. We got there early to be as far front in the lawn as allowed--security informed us that was as far front as we were permitted. Spectators/audience were not allowed to be on the wide concrete walkway between the lawn and the reserved seating to watch the concert. (Made sense) However, not long after Beck started, people from back on the lawn began congregating on the concrete. This continued through the concert creating a wall several feet deep of people standing in front of the people on the lawn. The security people who told us in the beginning no spectators on the walkway, did nothing. It greatly diminished the enjoyment of the event. I have since learned this has happened before. Overall, this is not a good venue for large shows. Having an "amphitheater" on flatland doesn't work. The traffic before & after shows is a nightmare, and the parking situation is not good.

Terrible venue. I have been to many concerts and venues and this was by far the worst experience. Traffic was a nightmare. Paid $20 for “reserved premium parking” that was supposed to guarantee a parking spot. But they closed it right as we got there because it was full LOL. Many others had the same experience so it sounds like they oversell parking spots to make money and don’t care that they screw people over. So we drove around/waited in traffic for 2 hours trying to get to other parking. We barely made it to the main act before it started. And don’t waste money on reserved seating, you can’t see anything at all unless you’re the first row.

The Varsity’s remodel looks fantastic — they’ve done a great job keeping its charm while updating the space. I’ve had some awesome experiences here, and their popcorn really is top-tier. They also host unique events, like a recent audio-described showing of Barbie for the visually impaired, which was such a thoughtful touch. The place was super clean (even the bathrooms), and the sound and picture were solid. The main auditorium is spacious, though only the back section has stadium-style seating. Seats were comfy enough, and overall, it’s just a cool spot to catch a movie.

I am amending the two star review I gave a few months ago. I initially really disliked the loft theater, but management had good suggestions for seats that allow a little more room to move which is what I wanted as the other seats were too close together. I found the right seat for me so I’m good with the loft theater. I’ve also seen a show in the main auditorium since then and it was great. The staff is so nice and the popcorn is the best in town. Lastly, I’m so thankful for places like the Varsity that bring in amazing smaller films that otherwise wouldn’t get released here. Because of that I was able to see the extraordinary Sorry, Baby twice and have it become one of the best films I’ve ever seen and the best I’ve seen this year. Thank you, Varsity! You’ve got a new regular customer. Keep up the great work!

Small, independent theater. 2 screens. One of which is smaller and provides a unique viewing experience. Makes going to the movies fun again. Tough going back to a big corporate theater once you’ve been here. And the popcorn is great!

I wish I could go 50/50 and give 2.5 stars. The main screening room is really nice! The loft however is very cringe, especially if you e never there, and are a first timer. Very tight squeeze, in uncomfortable seats. Good prices, good popcorn, just stick to the main screen.

Really cool independent theater. I visited for the first time earlier this week, to see the Local H Lifers movie. Presentation was great - beautiful screen, perfect framing and focus, and powerful sound. The main screening room is very clean and comfortable, with nice seats (and good spacing between the rows).

There's construction on the building next to them. I didn't see a parking lot, but we found a spot on the street near by. This is an older building with only 2 theatres I believe, but it's clean/updated and the seats were very comfortable. Sound system great and concession stand and workers were A plus!

Such an aesthetically appeal theatre! Seats are so comfortable. And I love the film choices on offer.

I LOVE the fact Des Moines has this place! All sorts of great, artsy events and outings. There always seems to be something going on here. Whether it’s comedy, games, discussions, dances, silent disco yoga, or whatever it may be. Check them out on Facebook for a list of upcoming events. Highly recommend if you’re interested in trying something unique or new to you.

Enjoyed some live jazz in The Basement (downstairs at the Kum & Go Theater) on a Friday afternoon. The venue is very comfortable, with tables and couches scattered around the room. The bar servers a good mix of craft beer and wine, along with some very simple snacks like popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts.

Lovely space with tons of great events in different creative mediums happening on a regular basis. As someone who had both performed here and attended shows, I really appreciate the space and the staff that help make it all happen.

Found the social club while searching for a cooking class. When you register for a class there isnt a clear disclosure that this isn’t really a class and it’s just a bunch of strangers put into groups to follow a paper recipe with minimal direction from the “teacher”. Maybe this sounds like fun for some but I felt like I wasted 90$ to only do a very small part in one of the dishes listed. We registered for this class genuinely interested in learning tips and tricks to be better cooks and you’re not going to get that here. The instructor seemed super disinterested when we asked questions. I respect that many people would find this set up perfectly enjoyable and you do get to have a bunch of food to eat but if you’re looking to actually learn this isn’t the place.

Be careful if you're considering hosting any type of non-conventional event in collaboration with the DMSC. I made a film about National Parks that was an hour long- basically a music video filled with nature photography & footage. I figured what better place to get this out there than the DMSC; that's what it was created for. The venue manager said she'd never had good luck hosting a film before but she loved my video so much she didn't see why it wouldn't receive a great audience. She came up with several awesome ideas of how to promote it and make it a unique experience for everyone. Amped up by her enthusiasm I was genuinely shocked when 2 weeks later I'd heard nothing from her other than confirmation that the space was mine for the time & fee that was discussed during our first (and only) meeting. Several weeks go by and and the day of the film premier arrives. The DMSC had done nothing, literally nothing, to promote it at all. They didn't make a flyer, or a Facebook page, or share it with the public in any way. After several attempts to contact the venue manager and her (co-worker, assistants?) I did get one thing shared the day of. The venue manager never showed up, the bartender talked loud enough to be heard over the music for the entirety of the movie, and the guy running it in the back cut it off before the credits even rolled. The space (Basement) is cool. It has good ambiance, a fun bar, sweet lighting and room for at least 100 people. I give the space itself a 5. But the employees don't seem to have the passion or follow-through to get much done. It was an over-all lackluster experience. Unfortunately, it seems like the lack of competition in Des Moines for spaces where artists can showcase their work, whether it's film or fashion or photography, is what is keeping the DMSC booked every weekend. It will be interesting to see what happens as Des Moines grows and attains more venues such as the Barnum Factory, etc. The DMSC might have to invest in more industrious employees. Use the space for your art but go into it knowing you are responsible for 99% of the marketing. And the venue isn't cheap. "We've never had much luck hosting a film before..." should have tipped me off but I was hopeful. Oh well.

Holy mother of god! Cabaret was amazing! Please DSMSC, make Cabaret a regular feature. The Sunday night show is especially appreciated (it sold out), there is a big hunger for great entertainment on Sunday evening. Des Moines is a much better place thanks to Des Moines Social Club!

The coffee shop is really nice and well decorated. The menu is creative and has a lot of unique items. The staff is friendly, helpful, and polite. Would love to visit again.

Drake University was the best choice our kids could have made for their college education. Their alumni mentorship program gives students an upper hand in the work force.

5 stars but I'm pretty biased as it's the best and most highlighted part of my life.

It's a great place for an education

Good leadership in the environment and sustainability programs

Beautiful campus. Go Bulldogs!

It is a beautifully kept campus

My band director graduated from here and graciously offered to give me a tour of all the places where he got hit by a car on campus. Also we saw like 20 emergency vehicles so 5/5 for keeping us safe! Go bulldogs!

Love this festival! I went twice this year. I took three children and we were busy and having a blast the whole time! Fun for the whole family! So much to see, do, and most importantly EAT! Yum! Parking can be tricky so figure that out before you leave home. Must see event!

Incredible event for Des Moines showcasing some of the best artists from around the US. Live music from great national acts, food trucks, and more. Family friendly. Great experience!

It is laid out very nicely, plenty of room for people to move about and not be cluttered in one area. Parking was easy in the ramps. It was raining and down pouring while we attended, but we just stayed under a canopy to ride it out. Also loved having beer on tap. We enjoyed ourselves.

4 full blocks of delicious food, cool and wacky art, and loads of fun. It's great for adults, families, couples, singles, and everyone in between. If you stay late there is love music to enjoy as well as adult beverages and more tasty food

Food prices are steep, as are some of the drinks, so be prepared to throw money around at this one. That being said, it is usually a good time (despite the heat), good free shows (love the Host Country!), and always a lot of talent to be seen. It's one of the quintessential summer things to do in Des Moines.

I have been going to this festival since it began, and it has changed a lot. more music, film festival, more sponsors, etc. it is generally a great event, though I do feel the quality of visual art has fallen some. I realize that is subjective, but I keep seeing the same type of themes and styles over and over. I also did not appreciate having to run the gauntlet of aggressive cell phone and other salespeople at the entrance. just my two cents.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is my favorite summer festival! It's hard to choose between all of the art, music, food, and kids activities. I highly encourage everyone to stop by and check it out during the last weekend in June.

Nice quiet, secured apartment building with friendly welcoming neighbors. The Fleming building is conveniently located downtown where just about everything you could need is within walking distance.

I lived here for over a year and enjoyed the location, history of building, and prompt responses from maintenance. One thing to note is since the building is historic, it has bad insulation and there was a lot of heat loss in winter in my corner unit.

Nice building. ]ricy at$900 a month for a one. Bedroom and $1400 for a two bedroom. If you can stand the other person its a bargain. Draw back is the homeless congregate around the Pantry

Absolutely a Magnificent Architecture and the Magnitude of Detail is Amazing !!!

Great place to live for the past 5 years. Very quick maintenance beautiful building, beautiful views

Have lived here for seven years. Fairly priced. Amazing staff. Exceptional maintenance response time. Beautiful views.

This is a great place to live.Comfortable walking distance to Hy-Bee,Courthouse,Walgreens,Dart Bus Depot,etc.The landlord is very nice and Maintenance always responds in a timely manor.

When I toured the DM building I was very impressed with the modern and industrial look. Some things to take into consideration. 1) The windows in the apartment do not open. 2) The rooftop space is breathtaking! And hardly ever used so it felt like a personal oasis. The pigeons were a source of entertainment and the sunrises were amazingly beautiful! 3) Unfortunately, I did have cockroaches in my apartment. I don’t know how effective their pest control is. 4) I had multiple “mishaps” with office staff that resulted in me renting another parking garage after being locked out of the one I was renting from them. Which resulted in me paying downtown parking prices for a week. 5) HVAC issues. 6) Maintenance personnel were also very responsive to any needs. Renting an apartment here was an experience in downtown living. Not for me but if you thrive on night life I would give the DMB a try.

I moved downtown in April, choose the Des Monies building because it was close to work. I am glad I did, Emily in the leasing office has been so helpful, apartments are nice, view from the rooftop is amazing. Everyone I have met in the elevators are friendly and nice, Even their pets, lol,, and I’m not a pet person myself. I would definitely recommend The Des Moines Building to my friends.

I was only at this building for a few months so I can’t comment much but here was my experience. Upon walk through, it was apparent that management did not do a walk through to make sure it was move in ready. They had just painted the countertops and the smell was nauseating. It was inconvenient as I had to rent a hotel room for the weekend and move in the following Monday. The front loading washing machine seal was caked with black mold. This was the first thing I put a work order in for And it was resolved within a week. The bathroom vent was also full of dust and dirt. I handled this one with my vacuum. There was caulk dripped all along the tub. It took me a week to scrape it all off. Looking past all of that, the building itself was awesome! I think it used to be a bank and they kept some of the original nostalgic feel. My apartment was sleek and modern. I did notice dead cockroaches every so often but I think it must have correlated with their pest control efforts. Being smack downtown, this does not surprise me. The rooftop is amazing and the view is spectacular. I didn’t spend much time up there but I did watch the fireworks last July. Awesome for sure! I did ask to be let out of my lease after a couple months of the AC malfunctioning. I was on the 14th floor in the middle of summer. Management was moving the residents to different hotels/airbnbs every couple nights. It was disappointing to not be able to live in my apartment. The only time I “visited” was to do laundry. When I made the decision to move, management was very helpful at finding me adequate accommodations. I greatly appreciated all the efforts they made, especially Matt Strom for his pursuit of finding fairness for the situation. Unfortunately this was a 3 star experience for me in a 5 star building. In an effort to be fair, I think my situation is unique as most residents I met were long term residents.

I used to love this apartment but after my recent treatment of new management I’m not sure. I’m disabled and on section 8 housing. This month I paid for my portion of rent but section 8 housing did not pay their portion. In response new management slammed me with 100 dollars of late fees in a 2 day span and then posted a notice on my door telling me I will be evicted in 30 days. No calls no notifications. When we called to ask the manager what she was doing she called us rude and hung up on us when she couldn’t answer any of the questions. As a disabled person now threatened with homelessness and I am also mentally ill, this is emotionally damaging. I am not responsible for the portion of rent section 8 housing does and I am not to be kicked out or threatened with notices when they do not pay their portion. When expressing fear and questioning why they would do so, we are insulted and hung up on. I’m trying to fix my situation and being hung up on and told I have 27 days to leave is not exactly helpful or professional. I loved everything about this place but the new manager needs to either be trained properly or held responsible for how they handle section 8 housing affairs and disabled people being held accountable for a portion of rent they don’t need to be paying for. Two back to back $50 late fees in a 2 day span is insane. I miss old management. This place was perfect but new management lacks training and awareness. Please be aware if you plan to live here they may hang up on you if you ask questions and they may have no situational awareness of your housing assistance and then blame you for the portion of rent you have no control over. I’d remove this review if the situation got remedied but I think there needs to be a warning currently on this place until new management is properly trained.

Deeply unsatisfied with my time at the Des Moines building. Air and heat were out the first month I was there and the problem wasn’t resolved for WEEKS. Management is never in the office. I had to move from my apartment 8 months into my lease due to personal issues. I paid my remaining lease off and discussed with management about adding a roommate so I could hopefully get some of the money back (considering I was paying 795 a month for a place I wasn’t living in). They denied person after person for “credit reasons” which was completely ridiculous to me considering I had paid the lease off in full. I understand having to take precautions but they had their money either way. I just recently received my move out summary and on top of keeping my 400$ deposit they are charging me an additional 350. I lived there for only 8 months and the things they are charging me for seem completely ridiculous. 350$ charge for smoke smell when I’m not a smoker, 100 trash removal when there was maybe 2 boxes left behind, 20$ drop pan removal?? Not even sure what that means. 125$ cleaning fee. I’ll admit it wasn’t epic and spam but it wasn’t a complete mess. I would assume and HOPE they clean every apartment before renting out again regardless so I find it totally ridiculous that I would pay that. I will try disputing charges and update based off that but I am no frustrated with my time spent here. They refuse to work with you and charge you insane prices for what I would think to be normal wear and tear. Also all five star reviews on here are because of the endless signs posted around the building saying “leave a 5 star review and win a gift basket”

This place will screw you over when you leave, living here for a year was fine except for the cockroaches on the roof and the crackheads out on the street but they will take as much money from you as they can when you leave! They’re also really expensive for a really small place, ours was 950 just for a studio. Also every good review on here was bought with a competition or raffle.

-Every 5 star review is a contest to win gift cards or baskets- In my short time at the Des Moines building I had the rare opportunity to live in both a studio and 1 bedroom with the 9.5 months I’ve been here. In both apartments I have never had a fully functioning AC or heating system. The dog park the size of a shoebox is filthy and has loose boards that come off and expose screws that wil lie around. People leave joints and cigarette filters in it as well, which I told management to find it still continuing. My apartments ceiling has caulking on the ceiling?? Who knows why. There was paint on my sink from lazy inexperienced paint jobs before moving in. My dishwasher wasn’t even connected when I first moved in and lightly flooded the apartment before I could get emergency maintenance in only to have my husband have to handle it himself while the maintenance guy stood there. There is no guest parking and the lobby constantly smells like weed or urine. Tons of homeless people in the alley where the dumpsters are so you definitely won’t feel safe taking anything there. There is a fee for EVERYTHING. No utility meters so don’t stress because you will still be charged outrageously for everything. The windows don’t open the gym is disgusting. They lock the revolving doors so everyone comes in and out of the mailroom. I’ve waited outside the leasing office at 8am multiple times for them to be late arriving if they come at all because no office hours are posted other than a sign for lunch. The rooftop is also covered in cigarette filters and beer caps and the fire table you may see in pics hasn’t worked the entire time I lived here. The parking garage you will have to use is about 2 blocks over and on the skywalk will take 10ish min to walk. If you choose to live here good luck.

Catholics pick a Pope in 2 days UU take 2 years to select a new minister. Ridiculous process in my opinion.

It makes me feel comfortable when I interacted with persons who came to attend Sahaja Yoga meeting. Positive thinking makes our lives much joyous. We all are beautiful gem, only we need to know our inner self first. Let our spirit shine in our actions.

Love this special place and it's role as our spiritual home!

What a welcoming community of free thinking, caring people. There is so much going on, something for everyone. It is very refreshing to learn how much more church can be than what you might be used to.

This was my worst recent experience. Warning - stay away. Two thumbs down. Rating: 1/5 stars.

First Unitarian Church of Des .Moines has been a leading voice for social justice in Des Moines since 1877. An awesome place with awesome people.

I love when all the flowers are blooming down by the stream in Spring. It's very peaceful.

LivLavender bought the building from Knapp which ruined the place. It’s important to know that all the positive reviews are from Knapp’s ownership, and Knapp owns the apartment next door which has more amenities for roughly 30% less in price. LivLavender will also charge you an unavoidable fee to pay rent. This was even added to people still under Knapp’s lease with no way to avoid it, leaving tenants with a non-consensual monthly payment. If you don’t trust google reviews, just stop by the manager’s office that Knapp historically kept staffed full time. It’s been empty since the acquisition… you don’t need a manager if you don’t manage your building I guess. (Edit 4/7/2025) Harbach publicly responded to this message saying they’d reach out to me and get to the bottom of this, that response is also a lie they never reached out and still don’t respond to internal requests or BBB complaints FYI.

I loved living in this building so much and din't have any issues with the change over in management (LivLavender) until my move out. I received my notice about my refund amount via email, but after 2.5 months being out I STILL don't have my check despite my lease saying my refund was due within 30 days. I've called 7+ times, filed a BetterBusinessBureau complaint, and had my lease guarantor send an official notice by certified mail. I am getting really nervous that the only way I get my deposit back is taking them to court. I am not sure if they intentionally hold checks and hope that people eventually give up... If you are moving out of this building just make sure you keep on top of them and document everything!

Our car got towed while visiting a friend and Adrian was very helpful. He communicated with the towing company and we were able get our car right away.

I have loved living in Harbach, the building is very cute and the cleaning and maintenance staff are very friendly. However, the property managers, LivLavander, are terrible with communication and really just doing their jobs. My key fob to access the building stopped working at it took a month to get a new one. When I called to ask about the status of the maintenance request I was put on hold for 15+ min at a time or told that I would get it later that day (and did not receive it for multiple weeks). Similarly, an email went out to residence that the elevator was broken and not to use it until we heard more. A week passed and when I asked for an update on this repair I was told the elevator was never broken. When I asked why, I was told that the person I was speaking to did not send the email and they had no knowledge about this. Overall, when I have given plenty of time for things to be repaired or to hear back (hours to weeks at times for a response), I have been met with lies and quite frankly rude interactions. There are more issues I could name with LivLavander but I feel my point has been made.

Great location in downtown Des Moines. The building and units are very unique with a ton of character. The owners and manager are always around and spend a lot of time continuing to make improvements on the property. They know most, if not all tenants by name and really value feedback in how they can make things better. Walking distance to many bars, restaurants, HyVee, etc. Top floor unit has high ceilings, was very quiet and had great views. Minutes from I-235. Excellent spot for anyone new to the Des Moines area or wanting to live downtown.

I signed on while Knapp owned the building, and had an incredible experience. Price, maintenance, and management were all outstanding - this all changed after Liv Lavender took over in 2023. Almost immediately, long-term tenants began to vacate, trash started piling up, maintenance was neglected, and prices skyrocketed. My rent was increased by over $200 per month, including $80 a month for water and sewer. Absolute shame, as this is a beautiful facility and deserves better management.

I lived here for several months before moving for a job, otherwise I would not have left. Best apartment complex I have been in by far. Owners really want to make this a top spot downtown, and make sure all tenants feel welcome. The price is extremely reasonable for downtown. Management is amazing. I had a thermostat break one night, and I was expecting them to get there over the next couple of days. They sent someone that night! Great location. It is within walking distance of court and 300, but not so close that you have the noise issues. Parking is a breeze as well.

If I could leave less than one star I would. The vehicle motor vehicle division is extremely inefficient and poorly operated. be prepared to wait months for a title transfer appointment. there was a scratch from the seller on the title trying to get the pen to work and they rejected the paperwork sending me back to notarize a document and another 8 week wait. clearly this is just a money ponzu scheme to profit off you for their lack of efficiency. the workers all seem miserable and unhappy, and unhelpful. the process for an appointment should be removed and allow the walk-ins like they used to. first come first serve.

Welcome to the wonderful city of des moine iowa where they will send you an automatic speeding ticket for going 3mph over and not send it to you in the mail til months later 2 days before your "due date" before it goes to collections!

No waiting and fast. Professional and helpful.

Not overly impressive but serves its role well.

Nice BUILDING, LOVE WHAT YOU DID, HOW MUCH MONEY DID IT COST ME TO REMODEL TAXPAYER, HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

The City of Des Moines spends their money in odd ways. Apparently they are trying to appeal to trendy millennials while ignoring the basic infrastructure. No wonder some nearby suburbs are the fastest growing in the nation.

AL SETKA is such a prick and horribly uninformed. So embarrassing.

Incredible children’s area. The books are organized so thoughtfully with children’s abilities and interests in mind. Extremely welcoming environment and great play area filled with lots of toys. Amazing space and staff

Probably my favorite library in Des Moines. Quiet, clean, aesthetically pleasing.

Everyone is helpful and friendly

(Translated by Google) It's a very nice place, I love the Spanish section, they always have very interesting books. (Original) Es un lugar muy agradable, me encanta la sección en español siempre tienen libros muy interesantes

These apartments are great and the manager of the complex is so wonderful and polite that she goes above and beyond for her tenants. I would highly recommend these to anyone . Great property to live at, plus the management is awesome. Thank you.

I've lived here several years. The community is great and looks out for each other. There is a creative focus, (musicians, artists, makers, etc.) but you may get in anyway. What you lack in the more expensive appliances, hardware etc. you make up in window area, views, square footage, and high, industrial ceilings.

Amanda the manager is excellent! I have lived here for several years and love the location and building.